2016 Recipients of Grants Totaling $ 33,500

Tamara ANDERSON - Sport, Tennis

A year 11 student and currently school Sportswoman of The Year. She is currently ranked at Number 1 player at Regional Level and National level in her age group. She was selected as a member of the New Zealand Junior Federation Cup team that played in Hungary this year. With even better results during 2016 she made the semi-final of the ITF 18s Tournament in Doha. Her coach is impressed with the willpower, grit and determination that she showed in beating the No. 1 seed in her semi-final match.Tamara has a realistic chance of winning the NZ Residential Championship and U18 Nationals. Such a win will qualify her for a wildcard entry into the ASB Classic in December. Her grant goes toward her tennis tournament costs.

Isaac BENNETT-SMITH - Education, Humanities and Mathematics

An advanced student in statistics and calculus at Onslow College, Isaac is also studying maths via Ministry of Education STAR programme extramurally at Canterbury University. Isaac has the ability to look at problems from a different perspective, sees the big picture better than others and explains things in interesting ways. He has a strong sense of who he is and how he can effect change. Isaac intends to study at Victoria University towards a teaching qualification with particular emphasis on Mathematics, Statistics and English Literature.

Shenyll DELPACHITRA - Education, Health Science

A Newland College student with an outstanding academic record. Shenyll has been significantly involved in the wider life at her school, as Peer Support Leader and Peer Mentor along with being a Form Class Representative. She was also involved in World Challenge which placed her as a member of a Student Group who self-managed projects in less developed countries without adult intervention. She is described as a committed, hardworking young woman with a desire to achieve. Shenyll plans to study Health Science at the University of Otago in 2017 with a long term goal of becoming a GP.​

Rhiannan FLETCHER-WEST - Education, Health Science Paramedic/Nurse

A current student at Newlands College who has been described as “focused on reaching her full potential and being the best she can”. She has taken every opportunity to extend her education, an example of this was attending Kumon in Johnsonville, completing 10 levels in maths which enabled her to be at NCEA level 1-2 for algebra at age 12. Rhiannan is an active member of Newlands College Diversity Group and is also involved with the Wellington Youth Service Evolve. She is described as having incredible strength of character and as showing great potential.With a background such as this and the desire to pursue a career that focuses on helping people, Rhiannan will do well in her chosen field of Paramedics or Nursing. Next year she will attend Whitireia Polytechnic to complete a Bachelor of Health Science. Her grant will assist with costs of her three year degree course.

Cho Ying (Stephanie) HENG - Education, Health Science

Stephanie is a focused, confident student who was awarded an academic scholarship at Marsden after her outstanding academic record at Newlands College. Actively involved in school curricular activity with several sports, Piano, Music and Barber Shop Quartet, she is a real Team player. Along with a strong service ethic she has supported Relay for Life, City Mission and the Heart Foundation. She holds two key leadership roles at College, Student head of Maths and as Head of Peer support.Stephanie plans to study Health Science at Otago University with the aim of completing a medical degree. Her strong sense of commitment, reliability and hard work will see her achieve her goal. The grant will assist with first year University costs

Charlotte HOLLYWOOD - Global Leadership Tour

Charlotte currently attends Queen Margaret College. Her academic record is outstanding and she is currently completing the International Baccalaureate and likely to achieve 42/45. She is totally immersed in College life, a strong debater, Peer Tutor, Librarian and a member of the Barbershop Quartet. Recently she has completed the Queens Guides award, the highest award made to the Ranger section of Girl Guides.Charlotte has been chosen to represent NZ in the Global Development Tour, an initiative with United Nations Youth New Zealand that focuses on current sustainable development goals. She will be one of 22 students from throughout New Zealand, and believes that it is an absolute honour to represent New Zealand. The Tour takes a group of young aspiring global citizens around Europe and to New York to learn about Global Development. It culminates in the delegation representing NZ at the 2017 Winter Youth Assembly.In 2017 Charlotte will study Engineering at Canterbury University. The Grant will assist with the Global Tour costs.

Liam HUNN - Education, Engineering

Currently attending Wellington College Liam is an extremely able student. At school he has been involved as a Peer support Leader, Activity Group volunteer that mentors vulnerable students and has been an active leader in Outdoor Education. Outside of school he has volunteered at the soup kitchen and with the Salvation Army. A member of the Ngaio Tennis Club and a member of Street City Church Youth Group. Liam plans to study engineering at the University of Canterbury and his goal is to specialise in Mechatronics Engineering. His grant will go towards the first year University costs.​

Erika OROGO - Education, Health Science

Erika has an outstanding academic record, sitting two Scholarships in Biology and Chemistry. Deserving of success she is an extremely conscientious and disciplined student, an active Peer Supporter, tutors students in Science, Biology and Chemistry. Her leadership skills have been put to good use within the College, Stage Challenge, and a 40 hour famine. She volunteers her time for open evenings, sports events and represents the school in Badminton. Erika is also active within the wider community volunteering her time at Malvina Major Retirement home and Johnsonville Rest Home. Erika is aiming to complete her first year Health Science course in 2017 and follow this with a dentistry degree. Her grant will assist with Next year’s tertiary education.​

Lachlan PATON - Sport, Hockey

His academic marks reflect his commitment to education. Lachlan’s true passion at school is graphics and he has produced impressive marks and projects throughout NCEA levels one and two. At College he is the first XI Hockey Captain and has represented the College in Premier Teams for Cricket, Athletics and Hockey. A talented sportsman Lachlan’s goals is to make the New Zealand U19 Hockey squad and also the Capitals U18 and U21 Hockey Squads. His grant will go towards the costs associated with travel for Hockey Tournaments.

Mathew RANDLE - Education, Engineering

At College Mathew has made the most of the opportunities available to him and has worked to his potential both in and out of the classroom. A member of the school and National Physics Teams researching complex physics problems. He has participated in many Physics Team Tournaments which involve hundreds of hours of intense research and experimentation. Matthew has volunteered for open evenings at Onslow, assisted at the recent Space & Science Festival and mentored Onslow Junior Young Physicists. He has great critical thinking skills and is motivated to gain a deep understanding of concepts. He intends to study Engineering at the University of Canterbury and his grant will assist his education costs next year.​

Teresa RAYNER - Education, Radiation Therapy

Teresa has received the “Most Diligent” award at her college in year 12, and has achieved outstanding results in NCEA. She represented her college in the “O’Shea Shield” a public speaking and drama competition, and is a keen supporter and participant in House events particularly in Netball and Volleyball. Her strengths lie in the field of music where she takes responsibility for playing music at the College Masses and Liturgies. She was the winner of the Senior Wind or Brass Solo at the Kapiti/Mana Music Festival this year. Her grant will assist with study costs at Otago University studying for a Bachelor in Radiation Therapy.​

Alex RIVETT - Sport, Judo

Alex is an able sportsman who excels in Judo, a member of the Wellington Judo and Jujitsu Academy where he has been training since the age of 4 years. He has represented Academy events both in New Zealand and Australia, been Wellington, North Island and NZ Champion on several occasions and achieved a bronze medal in the under 73kgs men’s category at Oceania Judo Champs in 2015. He is currently ranked 1st in U21 and 3rd in Senior Men’s. He achieved his Brown belt in 2014 and is preparing to gain his black belt this year. At college Alex has shown great leadership skills and proven himself to be a positive role model for younger students. He is part of the NZ Development Team aiming towards the 2020 Olympics and the 2022 Commonwealth Games. This summer he has been selected to attend a training course and Tournaments in the Netherlands and his grants will assist with his costs.​

Patrick RUFFELL - Education, Science

At college a conscientious student who has been achieving good grades. Patrick is a highly active member of the St John Johnsonville, Youth Division. He is currently working towards the highest youth rank of Cadet Leadership. He was awarded the Grand Prior Award in 2014. He has received his 100 hours Community Services Shield for his voluntary work and has had a number of Competition placing’s including many first places at both the district and regional St John Competitions. Next year he will study for a science degree and his grant will go towards education costs.

Devon RUSSELL - Education, Veterinary Sciences

Her school describes her as a truly impressive student who sets high standards for herself and places emphasis on achieving strongly in all she undertakes. With a particularly strong interest in Biology, Chemistry and Physics which will help in her chosen career. Devon had the lead role in this year’s school musical, is a Peer Support Leader and a Peer Tutor. In sport Devon has represented Wellington as a Roller Hockey Team member from 2011 to 2015 placing first in her division many times. She volunteers for the Wellington SPCA, working in the non-sterile surgery wing. Next year Devon will start study towards a Veterinarian Degree and the grant will assist with costs.​

Mary SINIO - Education, Dentistry

Her great work ethic has resulted in her high achievements in Biology and Chemistry. Her heavy involvement in sporting, cultural and school activities shows an awareness of the importance of a well-balanced life. Mary juggles her duties at home, school, paid employment and sporting commitments very well. Since a young age Mary has wanted to become a Dentist and next year will attend Otago University to study Health Science with the aim of becoming a Dentist. Her grant will assist with University costs.​

Noah SPARGO - Arts, Drummer

Noah is a multi-instrumentalist whose skill and ability have increased dramatically through dedication and hard work during his tile at College. He is as comfortable playing in the formal culture of a Brass Band as he is in the contemporary setting of a Hard Rock Group. His musical and artistic ability is best represented by his drumming. He won the MAINZ Musicianship Award in 2016 at the Smoke Free Rock Quest Regional finals taking the ward from over 120 musicians. He has also been a member of the Salvation Army Brass Band for over 10 years. Noah is intending to study at Massey University to gain a Bachelor of Commercial Music majoring in Music Performance on drums. He needs to upgrade his drum kit from entry level to mid-level for tertiary study and the grant will assist with these costs.​

Craig TURNER - Sport, Physical Education + Hockey

Craig is intending to study Physical Education at Otago University and also aiming to for selection into the Southern U21 men’s Hockey team leading towards eventual selection into the Junior Black sticks team. A successful sportsman and highly able student Craig has been involved in the wider school life where he has demonstrated excellent leadership skills. He has captained first XI Cricket and Hockey teams and has been a Peer Support leader. Craig’s Grant will assist with first year university costs.​

Hannah WATTS - Education, University of California Exchange

Hannah has attended University since 2013 studying for a combined degree in Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of Arts (Politics). She is planning one semester of study at the University of California next year where she will be completing Politics papers. An exemplary student with an outstanding academic performance in her politics papers. In the community Hannah has provided voluntary labour to community groups such as Women’s Refuge, Choose Kids and Youthline. She has held a summer job with the Ministries of Education and Justice which has enhanced her skill levels. Her grant will go towards the Exchange Trip costs.​

Shine Wu - Education, Mathematics Olympiad

With an excellent academic record Shine especially excels in mathematics. He aims to compete in the NZ Maths Olympiad team. This involves the top 6 NZ secondary schools students competing in a global maths competition in Brazil next year. To qualify for this Shine needs to attend summer camp in January 2017 and a squad of 12 will be selected for further training. From that 12 a squad of 6 will be chosen to represent NZ in Brazil. Along with maths skills Shine is a Wellington North, National Badminton Representative, a member of the Wellington Youth Council and a member of Tawa Tennis Club. At school he is also involved with public speaking and debating in which he has won numerous awards. His goal is to be accepted as part of the Harvard and Yale Maths United Nations Youth Declaration in 2018. Shine will use his grant towards attending Summer Training camp and qualifying for the Brazil Competition.​